MANILA, Philippines – If you’re a fan of comedy and ghost stories, here’s a movie you should watch. Entitled “Hostage Ko... Multo,” the rib-tickling film is topbilled by Smokey Manaloto and Jun Urbano.

Manaloto plays Isko, a provinciano who went to Manila to look for his relatives along with Iska, played by Mariz Santiago. Manaloto’s character ended up in the mansion of Don Emilio, a rich Chinese businessman played by esteemed actor and director Jun Urbano. Kikay, Don Emilio’s mayordoma, mistook the duo as the helpers they were waiting for from the province. This confusion started the wacky adventures in the household.

To make matters worse, robbers broke into the house looking for cash but ended up with a hostage situation in their hands.

With almost 40 movies and TV shows under his belt, Manaloto has long proven his chops as a comedian. He has not lost his youthful good looks and his portrayal of Isko reflects the same exuberance that has endeared him to the public all these years.

Urbano, as always, does not disappoint. His take on Don Emilio does not take a long stretch considering he has created and continuously portrays the iconic Mr. Shooli.

“Hostage Ko… Multo” is directed by industry veteran Junn P. Cabreira, his first directorial job after a long hiatus abroad. Cabreira is known for his comedy films among which is “Magic Kombat,” the 1995 blockbuster that also starred Smokey Manaloto.

“Hostage Ko… Multo” also stars Roldan Aquino, Robert Miller and Ariel Heroson and introduces Jacob Medalla, Mariz Santiago and Lea Ledesma. The story and screenplay is by S. Madrid and JP Carbonel. Jun Yuson is the executive producer. The theme song, “Hostage Ko... Multo,” currently among the favorites in 91.5 Energy FM and 102.7 Star FM, is performed by The Daybreaks.

This is the initial offering of Simzone Entertainment Productions and it will start showing today in select SM Cinemas nationwide.

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Anne Curtis realizes dream to be a singer

Because of the box-office success of “Who’s That Girl?” (It grossed P8 million on opening day alone and P60 million on its first week) Anne Curtis gets the chance to fulfill another dream of hers – to be a singer and recording artist!

Normally, when a movie rakes in a fortune at the box-office, the stars are given bonuses, cash or car or anything that the producer wishes to give. But in the case of Anne, she asked for a recording stint for which Viva big boss Vic del Rosario readily agreed when she heard Anne sing.

If plans push through, Anne will start recording this week or anytime soon. The award-winning actress is really so excited about having an album and she appealed for support from the entertainment press.

Anne and Luis Manzano, her so-called soul mate, are the lead stars of “Who’s That Girl?,” a romantic comedy about mistaken identity. It was directed by box-office and multi-awarded director Wenn V. Deramas from a screenplay by Mel Mendoza-del Rosario.

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Fun run set on March 19

Here is good news to running and biking enthusiasts: Gerry’s Grill, the Philippines’ leading grill restaurant, will be hosting a 5k, 10k, and 21k marathon and bikathon dubbed “Padyak o Takbo: The First Gerry’s Grill Circle of Friends Fun Run for a Cause” in Subic, Olongapo on March 19, 2011.

Proceeds of the affair will go to ABS-CBN Foundation, Inc. and Kapuso Foundation.

Circle of Friends is a group composed of Gerry’s Grill habitués which gathers at least once a month to share good food, fun times and do networking.

Registration fee is P750 for runners; and P500 for bikers at the Open Elite and Executive categories. Gun starts at 12 p.m. for bikers and 2 p.m. for runners.

Participants may register at Gerry’s Grill Metro Manila branches, Gerry’s Grill Marquee Mall (Angeles), SM Clark and Subic branches.

Supporting the event are Court Meridian, Powerade, Coca-Cola, Unilever, Fax and Parcel, Slimmers World, and San Miguel Beer.

Gerry’s Grill has 43 branches nationwide.

For inquiries log on to www.gerrysgrill.com.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, March 16, go to Pop Diva Kuh Ledesma, Becca Godinez, Mrs. Teena Sarino, Bojo Molina, Arnold Valdecanas, Eloisa Nicolas, Frederick “Butch” Liwanag, Mary Grace Tan, Marie Bernabe, Charlene Tabora, Josie Bernardo, Ma. Lourdes M. Estanislao, Abe Florendo, Ariel G. Antonio, Abraham S. Gumatay, Lovella Cadenas of PSBank, Fiona Klare Mirandao, Arch. Felino “Jun” Palafox and Paw Diaz of Star Magic... The UST Library Science Alumni Association will hold its first grand alumni homecoming at UST Benavidez Library on April 2, 2011. Together with the Philippine Foundation for Library Scholarship a lecture-forum with the theme “Library 2.0: Enhancing Librarians’ Competencies” will be discussed by Prof. Allan de Guzman and Fr. Paul de Vera, OSB of San Beda College. Induction of new USTLSAA officers and recipients will follow. E-mail ustlsaa@yahoo.com for inquiries and reservations...